MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Am setter Iris Tolenada came out of nowhere to beat homegrown talents as she emerged this year's top overall pick in this year's Philippine Superliga Rookie Draft held at the 3rd level of SM Aura in Taguig City Thursday.
Tolenada, 23, was picked first by Philips Gold, formerly Main N' Tail, in colorful rites hosted by Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Congressman Lino Cayetano and SM Management, and attended by Superliga officials Ramon "Tatz" Suzara and Philip Ella Juico and Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. president Joey Romasanta.
"I feel honored as well as excited being picked first in the Philippine Superliga," said Tolenada, a pretty setter whose parents are both Filipinos before migrating to the United States.
Tolenada owns the distinction of becoming the first San Francisco State University player to win the Most Valuable Player award in the California Collegiate Athletic Association
She will team up with a team already loaded with talent in Michelle Gumabao, Rosann Fajardo, Leuseth Dawis and fellow neophytes Myla Pablo and desiree Dadang, who were tabbed in the second round.
Philips Gold coach Francis Vicente said she likes how well Tolenada fits into his squad.
"I love her attitude and leadership," said Vicente of Tolenada. "With Tolenada around, we are already a complete package. She could be my extension inside the court. She brings a lot of intangibles which we lacked last season."
Picked second by Foton was Angeli Araneta, a power-hitting middle spiker who spearheaded University of the Philippines memorable campaign in this year's UAAP season.
Cignal acquired Rica Enclona with the third pick; Rizza Mandapat by Shopinas with the fourth pick, open spiker Therese Veronas by Shamac with the fifth pick and the pretty open spiker Alexa Micek, who was grabbed by Petron with the sixth and final pick in the first round.
After Philips Gold got Dadang first in the second round, Foton went for Ateneo libero Denise Lazaro to boost its backline defense.
Then, Cignal took Diane Ticar (3rd), Shopinas Djanel Cheng (4th), Shacman Samantha Dawson (5th) and Petron Ivy Perez (6th) to wind up this year's draft.
"We hope all teams have addressed their needs," said Suzara. "We are excited to see these girls in action and we're wishing them luck to their respective careers."